RETURN

Director: Paulo Barzman
Writer: Scott Kraft

Regular cast:  
Tessie Santiago:
   Tessa Alvarado/Queen of Swords
Paulina Gálvez: Marta
Valentine Pelka:
   Col. Luis Ramirez Montoya
Elsa Pataky: Vera Hidalgo
Taco González: Don Hidalgo

Guest cast:

Oliver Haden: Leonardo
Jose Luis Patino: Pietro

Two men come ashore from a ship near Santa Helena. One comes to the Alvarado hacienda at night. Marta is delighted it's her long-lost love, Leonardo. Tessa is happy for Marta but worried that she'll lose her to Leonardo.

It becomes quickly apparent that all is not well with Leonardo and his friend Pietro. There is something dark in Leonardo's past and Pietro is obviously a thief and trying to involve Leonardo in his dishonest schemes.

Gaspar Hidalgo challenges Montoya over a raise in taxes, threatening to organize the Dons to oppose the Colonel. Leonardo's friend steals a purse and kills a soldier trying to escape. Both men flee and are apprehended at the Alverado hacienda where Marta is giving them shelter. Pietro is killed and Leonardo arrested. Montoya plots to force Leonardo to kill Hidalgo, and arrests Marta as leverage.

How can the Queen save Don Gaspar, Leonardo and Marta? If the Queen rides to save Marta she will have to flee Santa Helena and Tessa will lose her forever.

text © 2001 Gail Allan
pictures © 2000 Paramount TV